sogaa

Sogaa is a traditional West African practice, prevalent in various cultures, primarily in Nigeria, among the Hausa people. The term is also spelled as soja, sojaha, or sogah, depending on the region. It refers to a marriage arrangement where a woman from one family is married to a man, but she maintains strong family ties, particularly with her parents, relatives, and clan.

In this custom, the woman's husband often holds a subordinate role to her natal family. He may be required to show respect to her male relatives and provide gifts or economic support to her family. This is due to the woman's original family continuing to exercise authority over her, even after marriage. Although the man may become a leading figure in the household, the natal family of the woman retains significant influence in the partnership.

Sogaa marriages are characterized by economic interdependence between the husband's and wife's families. The husband, often, must provide financial assistance to the wife's natal family, which may involve money, goods, or services. This economic dependence underscores the continuing significance of the woman's natal family in her life, even after marriage. Sogaa also involves complex social dynamics, particularly around issues of authority and power within the household, highlighting the societal norms and expectations surrounding marriage in West African cultures. The practice of sogaa allows for an understanding of family structures and the importance of kinship ties in West African societies.